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Parkview Medical Center hosts “Heroin in our Community” Discussion

The death of Oscar-winning actor Philip Seymour Hoffman has put heroin abuse in the spotlight, but it isn’t just a Hollywood problem. Heroin is a national epidemic affecting our community. Parkview will host an informative discussion about heroin usage in our community on Tuesday, March 11th from 6:00 to 7:30 pm in the Rosemount Room on Parkview Medical Center’s Campus.

The discussion will educate on the dangers of heroin as well as how the community can combat the usage of the drug. Several community resources will be in attendance including Parkview Emergency Department Physicians; U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; Parkview Behavioral Health and Chemical Dependency Unit; Crime Stoppers; Crossroads Turning Points; Addict to Athlete; and Spanish Peaks Behavioral Health Center.

The panel discussion will include presentations from experts as well as testimonials from recovering addicts. Dr. Ross Patrick, Parkview Board Certified Emergency Room Physician, will discuss what heroin is and how it is affecting patients in the ER. Matt Barden, Resident Agent in Charge, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration will present on “Fighting the Drug: From the Side of Law Enforcement.” Parkview Behavioral Health experts will also present on knowing the signs and symptoms of heroin abuse.

The Center for Disease Control & Prevention reports a 102% increase in fatal heroin overdoses from 1999 to 2010. Fueled by a nationwide crackdown on prescription pain killers and an abundant supply of cheap heroin, the drug that has killed actors & rockstars is killing people in our backyard.

“Heroin does not discriminate; it affects doctors, lawyers, soccer moms, homeless, white, black, rich & poor,” explained Matt Barden, U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration. “When you use this drug, it’s like dancing with the devil and playing Russian Roulette.” The discussion will also include testimonials from recovering addicts who will give personal accounts of their encounters with the drug.

The presentation is open to anyone interested in learning about heroin, the risks and resources in our community. The event is complimentary and reservation is not required. “Parkview Mobile Nurses offer educational & preventive healthcare screenings throughout Pueblo and we are concerned with the increased usage of heroin in our community,” said Terri Tibbs, Parkview Mobile Nurse. “We want to be pro-active and raise awareness about the devastating affects this drug has on the addicts body and mind; their family members; and our community.”

About Parkview Medical Center

Founded in 1923, Parkview Medical Center in Pueblo, Colorado, offers general acute healthcare and behavioral health specialty services. As a private, non-profit organization, Parkview is licensed for 350 beds and provides a full range of healthcare services including the region’s only certified and verified Level II Trauma Center as well as the region’s first certified Stroke Center. Parkview Medical Center is the leader in cardiac, women’s, emergency, and neurological services as well as behavioral health programs. As a vital healthcare source, Parkview’s service area includes Pueblo County and 14 surrounding counties, which together represent 370,000 total lives.

Parkview Medical Center is the largest non-government, nonprofit, private sector employer in Pueblo County with more than 2,700 employees and provides a skilled medical staff of over 370 physicians. The impact of our workforce triggers a strong impact on the community as Parkview’s annual payroll contributes $155 million to the economy.